Beauty Archives - Twenty Something Plus

April 9, 2024

Happy Sephora Sale!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

We love a sale! Especially a Sephora sale. And in case you weren’t already aware, the Sephora Savings Event is happening right now. If you need to replenish anything in your makeup bag or you’ve had your eye on something pricey (like the Dyson Airwrap), trust me you’re going to want to shop this sale before it ends April 15th.

Not sure what to shop? Let me help you!

Here are 5 of my top picks to shop from the Sephora Savings Event along with my reasons as to why.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
- Even though it is an over $50 foundation, it is by far the best quality one that I’ve tried so far. Not only was my shade match flawless, which may sound trivial but is huge for darker skin tones, especial when it comes to non-Black owned beauty brands. I also get the most compliments on my complexion when I use this foundation specifically. But yeah, I waited for this sale to restock this, doing to most to get every last drop out of my previous one.
NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer
- I’ve been know to swap out makeup products often, over having a set of tried and true favorites. However, this is the one and only concealer I have ever (and probably will ever) made sure to always have in my makeup bag. And when I don’t use it I feel like my whole face beat is just off. I also have the liquid version, but it just isn’t the same in my opinion.
Grande Cosmetics Brow Styling Gel
- Anastasia Beverly Hills brow freeze styling wax was my longstanding favorite. I’ve also tried their newer brow freeze gel, which I don’t hate. Now, while I still like and use them both of them, the Grande Cosmetics one gives is just so much for forgiving. Whereas with the Anastasia product, I feel like I have about .5 seconds to do my brows, or forget it.
Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Detailer
- Speaking of brows, this new brow pencil is it! It gives the precision of a liquid pen (think liquid eyeliner), but the look and feel of a pencil. I’ve been absolutely loving it, and haven’t shut up about it on Instagram.
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer
- This is another Benefit favorite. I love a product that can do the job of more. I use this to contour my face and as an eyeshadow. Another product that you’re likely to always find in my makeup bag.

If you are shopping the Sephora sale, what’s in your cart? Here are more of my top picks, including what I’ve been loving lately and some new products that I’m trying out!

December 7, 2022

Skincare Gift Guide

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Gift ideas to get the skincare obsessed!

Not only are most of these gifts under $100, I’m giving one of them (and a few extra goodies) away over on my Instagram!

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October 22, 2021

Scary and Spooktacular Halloween Nail Items You Need Now

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and some of the Static Nails products were gifted.

In case you couldn’t tell from my previous blog post, I’ve decided to go all out for Halloween this year. And the only thing that I might love even more than a stylish Halloween costume, are scary cute Halloween nails. I even went as far as to coordinate my nails with some of my Halloween costumes, like these snake accent nails that I wore with my Medusa costume.

Nail art has been blowing up on social media lately, so much so, that I recently took a Gel X class just so I could learn how to do my nails for myself. While I’m far from a professional nail technician by any means, I can now at least do my own nails a number of different ways.

Even so, my go to way to do my nails is still to use press on nails.

To create my recent Halloween nails for the most part I used Static Nails Pop-On Reusable Manicure Sets. For the one set that I didn’t, I used the Scratch Limited Edition Hocus Pocus Nail Wraps from their Nina Nailed It October Monthly Mani Kit.

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January 18, 2021

New Year, New Beauty & Hair Care Goals

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

I’ve never been all that big on New Year’s resolutions, and this year I’ve been even more hesitant to set one. That doesn’t mean that I don’t have goals, and some pretty lofty ones! Since I’ll be continuing to stay home at this time, I figured I would make the most of it as much as I could, by trying to refine my makeup, skincare, and hair care routines. For makeup and skincare, my goal is to get better at applying the products I already know that I love to create Instagram-worthy beauty looks. And also pin down routines that work, so that I can be more consistent with them.

Now, with hair care it’s a bit different. If you’re at all familiar with my hair journey, then you know that it is all over the place. But you also know that I’m not good at doing hair, my sisters usually are the ones to do mine for me, and when I find something I can do, I do it on repeat (hello, slick ponytail, that involves A LOT of gel)!

After checking out the Allure Best of Beauty 2020 winners, and scoping out Nordstrom’s new beauty arrivals, I decided to give a few things a try, including the Sigma Beauty F79 Concealer Blend Kabuki Brush and T3 Lucea ID 1-inch Smart Straightening & Styling Flat Iron.

Having used the flat iron a few times now, I 100% get why so many bloggers and influencers rave about it. It’s that good! I really want to try one of their curling irons next! I’m still getting better at doing my own hair, especially since going natural, and have a ways to go. But being able to straighten it with ease means I can try more styles, which is the goal.

What are your 2021 beauty goals?

No matter what you hope to achieve this year, Nordstrom has all your beauty needs to help you accomplish it. And with The Nordy Club, you get some pretty great perks, like earning points towards Nordstrom Notes when you shop, that you can use on future purchases. I’ve used a few already!
Not sure where to begin? Here are my current top Nordstrom beauty picks:

November 25, 2020

Nordstrom Beauty Gift Sets

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

Can you believe that tomorrow is Thanksgiving? Or that Christmas is only a month away? I know I sure can’t. If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to start buying the gifts for everyone on your list. And if you have anyone who is beauty obsessed, Nordstrom has the best beauty gift sets from the best beauty brands, including some of my personal favorites!

I’m sure I’ve overshared how much obsessed with Fresh Beauty I am, and have even mentioned their products in other Nordstrom Beauty posts. I stan. They have some of the cutest holiday gift sets whether you’re looking for something to put in a stocking or under the tree.

Briogeo is one of my go-to, Black female owned, haircare brands. I don’t know anyone who has tried their Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask and not absolutely loved it. With the Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo, it’s such a great duo to gift!

I know we’re not going out as much or even at all really, and when we are, we’re staying face masked up. But, that doesn’t mean we aren’t taking care of our lips. I still wear lip gloss on Zoom calls and lip balm around at home. In addition to Fresh Beauty, Nordstrom has MAC Lipstick, Kiehl’s Lip Balm, and Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss sets, that I’d for sure be happy to receive.

If the beauty lover in your life is also a skincare product junkie, a few of my most used products are Mario Badescu Skincare facial spray, Kopari coconut oil deodorant, Anastasia Beverly Hills clear brow gel, and Peter Thomas Roth Masks. All amazing sets that really anyone can appreciate.

Have you signed up for The Nordy Club yet? If not, you’re missing out. It’s free to join and you earn points towards Nordstrom Notes when you shop, which you can use to spend with Nordstrom later. They also have free shipping and returns as well as curbside pickup.

Happy gifting!

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September 30, 2020

Splurge Worthy Makeup Products

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

When it comes to makeup, I try not to spend a ton of money. I’d much rather invest in clothes and accessories. However, there are some beauty products that are worth every single penny.

Mascara will always and forever be the main product that I don’t even bother looking at the price, if it works well. I have long lashes but they’re thin and straight. So give me all the volume!

I may not have a Chanel bag in my closet (yet), but regardless of what bag I am carrying, it will have Le Volume De Chanel mascara in it.

Although I am starting to more so now, I don’t usually go for a bold lip. Since I don’t wear them often, people tend to notice when I do, so they have to look good! MAC Matte Lipstick is by far one of my favorite lip products, I’ve own a few different shades and recently (finally) tried Ruby Woo and Antique Velvet, which I will be wearing both frequently, especially this fall (yes, even under my mask). If you prefer a glossy lip, I like their Lipglass lipgloss as well.

Speaking of masks, they may not technically be a beauty product, but I recently switched to a silk pillowcase and it’s done wonders for my maskne. So I decided to add a silk mask to my growing collection of face masks as well. So far I really like it, and may need to get a few more!

After hearing so much about how good the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation was, I knew that I needed to give it a try. I’m so glad that I did because I absolutely love it! I don’t wear it every day, but when I do wear it, applying it feels like such a treat. It really does glide on so smoothly.

There are still other beauty products that I love as well, but these have really exceeded my expectations. I’ll be using them with my staple brow and concealer products and honestly, they’ve helped motivate me to get up and going with my day more than a few times. Sometimes getting ready to some tunes is all you need!

What I love most is that I can find all of my beauty needs right at Nordstrom! They have free shipping and returns as well as curbside pickup. And with The Nordy Club, you earn points for every dollar you spend and get exclusive access to specific brands.

Have you been putting on makeup lately?

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June 24, 2020

Nordstrom Summer Beauty

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

I have learned to value my self care far more than ever before. In doing so, I’ve found that I feel my best when I look my best.

I’m so happy to share that I’m partnering with Nordstrom and ShopStyle to share my Nordstrom summer beauty picks.

This summer, I am determined to get my summer glow on, even while staying in place at home. So, thanks to Nordstrom, I’ve restocked and refreshed my makeup and skincare routines.

This month I’m highlighting bronzers and all over shimmer, which are perfect for summer.

My personal favorite product for all over shimmer is the Nars Monoi Body Glow. I apply it directly after a relaxing shower or a soothing bath, for an instant glow. If you’re looking for an even more natural looking glow, you’ll love the Nars Monoia Body Glow II. They both smell amazing!

As much as I love a good glow and value my time spent in the sun, products with SPF are essential. If I’m wearing makeup, my favorite summer foundation is this Lancôme long wear liquid one with SPF 15 and for my lips (which have been sunburnt before) I swear by the Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Rose, which is also SPF 15.

In addition to a getting a good glow and making sure to have some sun protection, I made sure to restock on some of my favorite everyday products. Even when I don’t wear a full face, I try to do my eyebrows. For my daily brows, I use Brow Wiz, clear brow gel (also available as a set) and the NARS Soft Matte Concealer.

I’m not too big on blush, so I love a subtle hint on cheek color, with a highlighter that really pops. My current favorite combo is the Lancôme Blush Subtil and the Bobbi Brown Highlighting powder.

I also made sure to link to some of my summer skincare faves, because makeup is great, but taking care of your skin is even better.

And, I also really love that Nordstrom has free shipping and returns as well as curbside pickup and Club Nordy, with which you earn points for every dollar you spend and get exclusive access!

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December 3, 2018

Knappy Hair, Don’t Care

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Knappy Hair Natural Hair Extensions

For what seems like forever, I have struggled with my self image. This is especially true when I comes to my hair.

I’ve relaxed, dyed, shaved it, you name it!

I like my hair long, so I thought the only option for me was to relax it and wear extensions. And when the relaxer (and neglectful hair care on my part) damaged my hair, I thought I have to start over.

After the second time shaving my hair all off, about a year ago, I decided that I wanted to give going natural another try.

My hair started to come in nicely, and this time around, I embraced my TWA. But then like clockwork, I missed have long (albeit faux) locks, and starting reconsidering chemically straightening my hair to blend better with the extensions.

That’s when I came across Knappy Hair Natural Hair Extensions on Kaye McCoy’s Instagram page. And let me tell you I am SO unbelievably happy that I did!

Being able to find extensions that match and blend beautifully with my natural hair has helped me feel stronger in my choice to stay #teamnatural. Here I am wearing the 16″ set of the Kinky Coarse Clip In Extensions. I love that my hair looks full and has the volume of what my natural would have at that length. I recently learned about the Kinky Koily set and believe me when I say that is next on my list!

The fact that Knappy Hair is a black woman own business is an added bonus.

January 16, 2017

Cold Weather Wear and Skincare

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and was sponsored by Clarins.

Sweater: Madewell | Jeans: Madewell | Boots: Sperry
Earrings: Capwell + Co. (available next month!)

In case you don’t live in New England, just let me tell you it gets cold! Like, frigid. The temperature can go from 60 degrees one day, to 20 (or less) the next.

These sudden drops are the worst!

To combat the cold weather, I’m a big fan of bundling up. Layers on layers on layers on layers. Think thick cozy sweaters, long sleeved bodysuits, and boot socks. Mostly because I’m a big baby when it comes to being cold.

And so is my skin. Trying Clarins Hydra-Essentiel serum and moisturizer has helped keep my skin moisturized in spite of how quickly the temperature and weather changes. So much so, that it stays hydrated all day.

So many people are surprised when they find out my age, and comment on my skin and how young it is. That is not case in the winter time. Well, at least, not before discovering Clarins Hydra-Essentiel products. So now, my skin can be quenched and radiant year-round!

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Photos by: Madaline Rose Heising Photography

September 26, 2016

Travel Skincare Set

If you remember nothing else about me, just know that I completely and utterly adore Katherine Heigl. If there’s a movie and she’s in it, I own it. And have probably watch it over a thousand times.

One of her favorite products is Hydropeptide’s Exfoliating Cleanser.

When I was planning my trip to visit Gabby in Nantucket, I realized that I didn’t have any travel skincare. Sure, I had a ton of random samples, but nothing that really went together.

Hydropeptide’s On-the-Go Glow Travel Set not only comes with a travel size version of Katherine Heigl’s favorite Exfoliating Cleanser. But also their Pre-Treatment Toner, Face Lift Moisturizer, Eye Authority Eye Cream, and Purifying Mask.

I mean, the set has literally everything you need when you’re traveling. It even comes in it’s own cosmetic case!

What I really like most about the set (other than the was it makes my face look and feel), is how luxurious everything in it smells! Seriously, I felt like I was at the most amazing spa.

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